[db-wg] Geolocation data prototype in the RIPE Database

Dear colleagues,

At the RIPE 62 Meeting in Amsterdam the RIPE NCC Database Group was
asked to investigate handling geolocation data in the RIPE Database. We
now have a proof of concept prototype for discussion by the community.

Based on input from a number of community sources and the subsequent
presentation at RIPE 62, this prototype has two new optional attributes
for storing geolocation data and language details.

We have written an article about the design approach on RIPE Labs
https://labs.ripe.net/Members/denis/geolocation-prototype-for-ripe-database

This prototype references a sand-boxed TEST Database and does not have
any pre-loaded geolocation or language data. But you can create your own
data to see how easy it is to manage this new, optional information. We
also have a prototype Geolocation Finder tool to search for this data.

Another article on RIPE Labs shows how to create the new optional
attributes and use the Geolocation Finder tool to search for this data.
No changes in this sand-boxed TEST Database will affect the production
RIPE or TEST Database services.

The article is available at:
https://labs.ripe.net/Members/denis/example-usage-of-ripe-database-geolocation-prototype

We invite comments or feedback on this design and suggestions for how to
move forward if it is seen as a useful addition to the RIPE Database by
the community.

Regards

Denis Walker
Business Analyst
RIPE NCC Database Group